We've all heard about checking the oil, and it's pretty obvious when your windshield wipers go out, but many people don't think about maintenance when their vehicles reach milestones such as 60,000, 50,000, or 100,000 miles. This unfortunate oversight can cause major problems such as broken parts or even complete failure like a cracked engine block. It could also puts you in danger of being scammed by crooked mechanics, resellers and dealerships when you're buying or selling a vehicle.

Here are some ways to familiarize yourself with what's necessary:

• List all your services: Have you ever forgotten about maintenance because there wasn't a notice on your windshield? A simple log of all the work done can solve everything. You can use a list to track oil changes, and you can also track stuff like wipers, timing belt replacement, hose replacement and flushes with this method. Tracking fuel and dipstick checks can help you keep an eye on efficiency and performance and see problems ahead of time.
• Study your manual: Autos should be purchased with a manual just for their make and model, and these small books contain the official recommendations for keeping your auto in top shape. These recommendations can vary substantially, so they end up relying on what potentially confabulating mechanics say about what their car requires. We keep track of the correct specs for each auto we work on at Christian Brothers Automotive in Bartlett, TN, but you can't rely on everyone. If you do, it could mean spending far too much money.
• Don't forget to wash it: Looking good is not the same as working properly a lot of the time, but keeping your auto free of dirt and grime from roof to bumper to undercarriage can be considered part of maintenance. If you don't frequent the car wash, the residue will harm your paint and undercarriage.
• Compose a list: It can be easy to skip vehicle maintenance, but an easy method for getting it all done on time is to create a checklist of everything your car needs when you sign the title. Then, mark it all as your vehicle reaches at the various milestones. If handwritten lists aren't your thing, there are simple digital solutions that can help.